PREVIEW: Georgia vs Western Carolina

Today, we preview Georgia's season-opener against the Western Carolina Catamounts.

The regular season is finally here.

After going 2-0 during exhibition play, the Georgia Bulldogs will officially kick off their regular season against Western Carolina tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5th. 

Georgia, coming off of an 11-21 record last season, is looking to bounce back this year with hopes of an NCAA Tournament appearance. That campaign will need to start with a convincing win over the Catamounts.

Western Carolina went just 7-25 last season, and 4-14 in conference play. After finishing last in the Southern Conference last year, they return 4 starters for the 19’-20’ season. That includes leading scorers, forward, Carlos Dotson (13.9 PPG) and guard, Kameron Gibson (13.6 PPG). Head coach, Mark Prosser will look to challenge Georgia’s youth with experience.

1⃣ W E E K 😤#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/gkBxGk47kM

— Georgia Basketball (@UGABasketball) October 29, 2019

Georgia brings out an almost completely new roster this season. The Bulldogs brought in a Top-10 recruiting class, giving fans a lot of promise for the future. But with the return of the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder from 18’-19’, Rayshaun Hammonds (12.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG) and the backcourt experience between Tyree Crump, Jordan Harris, and transfer, Donnell Gresham Jr., the team can start winning this year. The combination of experience with young talents like Anthony Edwards, Christian Brown, and Toumani Camara has put Georgia into a position to compete.

Jordan Harris threads pass through Auburn's Chuma Okeke

While the Catamounts have the experience, their defense will likely remain a question coming into the game. Western Carolina finished 340th in the country out of 353 teams in points allowed last season with 80.1 PPG. They’ll have to step up the defensive efforts to deal with the offensive presence of Anthony Edwards.

Georgia’s game plan for Western Carolina should be short and sweet. The Bulldogs have to eliminate the outside shot for Western Carolina and force them to score inside. Playing an undersized Western Carolina team, Georgia will likely keep three guards on the court for the majority of the game. If the Bulldogs can force turnovers and take away outside scoring opportunities, they should cruise to a commanding win.

Prediction: Georgia 76, Western Carolina 62